VWL Groupies...yes, we love the Lodge!!

[Inkmahm]

that is so interesting to me INk because I am the exact opposite. While recovery for my knee replacement was long and hard, I haven't had one whit of pain since. Man was it so worth it. First I had to fight with the insurance company because they don't like to do them on 50 year olds (some thing about them not lasting the life of the patient). I have osteoporosis and osteoarthritis and it was getting next to impossible to walk.

Dad, give my love to Di. Isn't it amazing how we take simply things for granted until we can't do them anymore?

Oh, I'm glad to have had the surgery and I look forward to having the right one done in December, too. But if I could avoid the pain and rehab of knee replacement and still be able to walk just by getting the Synvisc shots? In a heartbeat.

The surgeon took one look at my xrays and said my knees were badly worn, no space left, bone on bone. I really had no choice BUT to do the surgery at this point.

 

[Inkmahm]

Happy Birthday to a wonderful Groupie, TammyNC!!!

 

[Inkmahm]

Ink....so happy to hear you are doing better ! Being an RN, I can tell you that is A LOT of pain medication. I think I'd be comatose from it. But if you need it, then you should get it. I did a rotation in the PACU (Post Anesthesia Care Unit---or Recovery Room as most know it) 2 years ago. Saw all kinds of people coming out of surgery. Knee replacement patients appeared to be some of the ones that had the most post-op pain. I cringed watching them. They looked way more uncomfortable that the post op C-section patients I care for. I give you credit for being so positive about your surgery and recovery. All the best in your continued rehab. Keep in touch when you can & get lots of rest

Oh...and HI CHRISTOPHER !!!! Happy Wednesday to you as well !!!!

I figured that out after one of the nurses told me that people are often asleep before she finished putting the morphine in the IV at the dosage I was given and I was still wide awake. The problem is having had the narcotics BEFORE surgery for so long. Vicodin from the ortho doc had become like candy to me, every 4 hours at 7.5/500 didn't seem to do a thing for me (unless I missed a dose and then realized how much MORE I did hurt without it.) The pain management doc saw me about 3 weeks before my knee surgery and put me on the 15 mg rotating morphine and oxycodone. Also said I would need double that dosage after surgery, which I did. I'm hoping to cut back some after I see her again next Thursday. I don't want to me on this many drugs until my December surgery because then I can't imagine what they will be able to give me for pain for the right knee replacement! Morphine really doesn't seem to do as much for me as the oxycodone. Maybe I'm just abnormallu resistent to this crap? The endodontist has a hard time getting my mouth frozen and keeping it frozen when I have to have root canal work done, too. I always get the impression that he is giving me way more drugs than he usually needs to use.

As for me, the pain management doc says the same thing. If I need the drugs to manage the pain, I get them. Then when I'm done with the surgeries we work on getting me off of the drugs. It may take a lot longer than I'd hoped, but I will get there.

And bringing this back around to our beloved Lodge, have I missed any more planning for the December Groupie meet? I worked on ADRs and other planning type stuff for the trip before I went in for surgery and I have a big "?" for when the meet will be.

 

[TammyNC]

Thanks everyone for the birthday wishes!! It was a great day, I have the best family and friends!!

 

[MiaSRN62]

Inkmaham : Morphine really doesn't seem to do as much for me as the oxycodone. Maybe I'm just abnormallu resistent to this crap? The endodontist has a hard time getting my mouth frozen and keeping it frozen when I have to have root canal work done, too. I always get the impression that he is giving me way more drugs than he usually needs to use.

Ink, I often have trouble getting my post-op C-section patients comfortable with morphine....I don't think it's the best for many types of post-operative patients. I always ask the doctor if I can give my patients Dilaudid post-op. I find it works better. My husband had major abdominal surgery in 2010. I told him before he went in to surgery to ask for Dilaudid in the Recov Room. I told him they always try and give Morphine but I personally never felt it worked as well. Sure enough, he was in the Recovery Room for 4.5-5 hrs after his surgery due to uncontrolled pain (normal Recov Room time is 1-2 hrs). He said after 2 hrs of getting morphine he asked for Dilaudid and that made the difference. I knew this would happen and it's why I gave him the head's up.
Also I like a combination of something called Toradol (IV) and Percocet for my patients.
Good luck Ink !!!

 

[MiaSRN62]

Thanks everyone for the birthday wishes!! It was a great day, I have the best family and friends!!

(that's a big "LIKE" !)

 

[Inkmahm]

I have another prayer request, besides the continuing prayers for me. You guys are doing a great job for me as my rehab is going well and I feel good. And yes, I know I've been out of surgery for only 10 days at this point. I know I have hours and hours of rehab yet ahead of me, but in the end, I will be able to walk well for the first time in many years. Thank you!

This next prayer request is much harder for me to make. We found out yesterday that my dad's cousin (only 66 years old) was diagnosed last week with small cell lung cancer. I guess it would normally be treatable except it has already spread to the bone. Another test yesterday shows it is in the brain and skull, too. We lost my dad to pancreas cancer when he was 69 so I have some idea of what Steve is facing. I wish I didn't. Please help me pray for Steve to have as much comfortable time as possible left for him so that he can be ready for this next phase of the circle of life. He has 5 grown sons and a grandson in addition to his wife. Steve also retired early and has been running a soup kitchen out of a local church with his wife to help the needy in one of the poorer areas where we live. His loss will be felt by many.

 

[MiaSRN62]

I have another prayer request, besides the continuing prayers for me. You guys are doing a great job for me as my rehab is going well and I feel good. And yes, I know I've been out of surgery for only 10 days at this point. ;P I know I have hours and hours of rehab yet ahead of me, but in the end, I will be able to walk well for the first time in many years. Thank you!

This next prayer request is much harder for me to make. We found out yesterday that my dad's cousin (only 66 years old) was diagnosed last week with small cell lung cancer. I guess it would normally be treatable except it has already spread to the bone. Another test yesterday shows it is in the brain and skull, too. We lost my dad to pancreas cancer when he was 69 so I have some idea of what Steve is facing. I wish I didn't. Please help me pray for Steve to have as much comfortable time as possible left for him so that he can be ready for this next phase of the circle of life. He has 5 grown sons and a grandson in addition to his wife. Steve also retired early and has been running a soup kitchen out of a local church with his wife to help the needy in one of the poorer areas where we live. His loss will be felt by many.

OMG Ink.....you've got my prayers ! We lost my mother-in-law to the same thing. She survived 2 years (chemo/radiation) after the intial diagnosis. I pray Steve is able to recover. Every year better and better forms of treatment come out. Hugs !

 

[eliza61]

This next prayer request is much harder for me to make. We found out yesterday that my dad's cousin (only 66 years old) was diagnosed last week with small cell lung cancer. I guess it would normally be treatable except it has already spread to the bone. Another test yesterday shows it is in the brain and skull, too. We lost my dad to pancreas cancer when he was 69 so I have some idea of what Steve is facing. I wish I didn't. Please help me pray for Steve to have as much comfortable time as possible left for him so that he can be ready for this next phase of the circle of life. He has 5 grown sons and a grandson in addition to his wife. Steve also retired early and has been running a soup kitchen out of a local church with his wife to help the needy in one of the poorer areas where we live. His loss will be felt by many.

Ink, first glad your knee surgery went well. Remember pain meds are your friend. I've got my prayer warriors on Steve's case (which is my baby brothers name so I know he's a great guy!!). I firmly believe in miracles.

TammyNC, Can't believe I almost missed the party!! Hope you had a magical birthday.

 

[Inkmahm]

Ink, I often have trouble getting my post-op C-section patients comfortable with morphine....I don't think it's the best for many types of post-operative patients. I always ask the doctor if I can give my patients Dilaudid post-op. I find it works better. My husband had major abdominal surgery in 2010. I told him before he went in to surgery to ask for Dilaudid in the Recov Room. I told him they always try and give Morphine but I personally never felt it worked as well. Sure enough, he was in the Recovery Room for 4.5-5 hrs after his surgery due to uncontrolled pain (normal Recov Room time is 1-2 hrs). He said after 2 hrs of getting morphine he asked for Dilaudid and that made the difference. I knew this would happen and it's why I gave him the head's up.
Also I like a combination of something called Toradol (IV) and Percocet for my patients.
Good luck Ink !!!

Mia, any chance I can recruit you to be my nurse in December? Maybe we could turn a nice two bedroom at VWL into a recovery ward and we could spend Chrismas their with our families. How cool would that be?

In any case, you are correct as to the pain medicine they eventualy used for me, too. I had that Toradol (IV) if that is the one that is the anti-inflamatory. The day of surgery they were giving me 4 mg of morphine by IV but I don't remember how often. The paid doc switched that to Dilaudid and that did help. I don't think I got Dilaudid more than a day though because they had to get me off the IV drugs and onto morphine pills so that I could leave the hospital. I will most defiitely ask to have the Didlaudid right after surgery instead of morphine in December.

 

[MiaSRN62]

Mia, any chance I can recruit you to be my nurse in December? Maybe we could turn a nice two bedroom at VWL into a recovery ward and we could spend Chrismas their with our families. How cool would that be?

.

You had me at "VWL" !!!

But sure ! Any day ! I hope your December post-op experience is a much better one. Hang in there Ink !

 

[Inkmahm]

OMG Ink.....you've got my prayers ! We lost my mother-in-law to the same thing. She survived 2 years (chemo/radiation) after the intial diagnosis. I pray Steve is able to recover. Every year better and better forms of treatment come out. Hugs !

Really? Two years? I haven't asked about any estimate they may have been given for Steve but with the cancer already in the brain and bones, I thought it would be a matter of months, not years. My dad lasted almost 5 months with the Pancreas cancer but he was not good for the last 4 of those months.

And back to the theme of the lodge... in Steve's case, he has kids who love Disney as much as DynaGuy and I do. They travel there often for family vacations. The only person I've ever given DVC points to for a wedding gift was one of Steve's sons. They did a road trip to WDW for their honeymoon because the new daughter-in-law is a nurse and had a new job to start right after the wedding. They love animals so I booked them at AKV. Now I wonder if Steve could be well enough for an adult version of a "Make a Wish" trip... Hmmmmm.

 

[MiaSRN62]

Really? Two years? I haven't asked about any estimate they may have been given for Steve but with the cancer already in the brain and bones, I thought it would be a matter of months, not years. My dad lasted almost 5 months with the Pancreas cancer but he was not good for the last 4 of those months.

And back to the theme of the lodge... in Steve's case, he has kids who love Disney as much as DynaGuy and I do. They travel there often for family vacations. The only person I've ever given DVC points to for a wedding gift was one of Steve's sons. They did a road trip to WDW for their honeymoon because the new daughter-in-law is a nurse and had a new job to start right after the wedding. They love animals so I booked them at AKV. Now I wonder if Steve could be well enough for an adult version of a "Make a Wish" trip... Hmmmmm.

My mil did not have it in her bones or lymph nodes......only a small spot in her brain. It all was caught early---she went in to the ER with pneumonia and it was caught on a routine chest x-ray. They were able to keep it at bay for a while. Every case is different and "staged" differently depending on the amount of metastasis. She was strong. We took her on a Wonder cruise within 6 months of her diagnosis and we are so thankful we will always have those memories. I think it's great you booked Steve at AKV. There are a few organizations that will send loved ones to places. My friend from work went through one 2 years ago. Her husband had a rare form of brain cancer and passed away at age 39. They went to WDW. I can get the name of the organization from her if you would like. Let me know Ink. Thoughts and prayers !

 

[tea pot]

Hey Dad
The Recipe that the Baldwin ladies made on The Waltons was their fathers recipe for what some refer to as Moonshine (or shine for short) White Lightning, hooch (heard Andy Griffith refer to it as hooch once on his show) Either way, its a good thing those comfy chairs are in the Carolwood Pacific Room cause they will probably come in good use if Granny shows up with the stuff

Hey Jimmy and Dad
Granny wasn't a fan of the "Recipe" But Grandpa was
he kept it in the wood shop in a ball jar
(Yup I've watch a lot of re-runs)
???? unless you're talking about "Our Granny"
If so then as Gilda Radner would say..... Never Mind

Ink, I often have trouble getting my post-op C-section patients comfortable with morphine....I don't think it's the best for many types of post-operative patients. I always ask the doctor if I can give my patients Dilaudid post-op. I find it works better. My husband had major abdominal surgery in 2010. I told him before he went in to surgery to ask for Dilaudid in the Recov Room. I told him they always try and give Morphine but I personally never felt it worked as well. Sure enough, he was in the Recovery Room for 4.5-5 hrs after his surgery due to uncontrolled pain (normal Recov Room time is 1-2 hrs). He said after 2 hrs of getting morphine he asked for Dilaudid and that made the difference. I knew this would happen and it's why I gave him the head's up.
Also I like a combination of something called Toradol (IV) and Percocet for my patients.
Good luck Ink !!!

Maria
You took the words right out of my mouth!!!
As a past PACU/recovery room /ortho nurse
I completely concur

Ink
Sometimes it's hard to be a fierce self advocate when you're in pain
but hang in there and keep asking for what you need
Prayers and Pixie dust for You and Your Special Guy

Jill
Loved your response
Thanks for setting the mood
I'm doing the 29 Day Happy Dance

Happy Belated Birthday Tammy

 

[Dizny Dad]

Tammy - so sorry I missed your B'Day . . hope it was swell . . . but you know how it goes; just when you are having a good time, workin' gets in the way . .

 

[Muushka]

Tea Pot, or should I say, Emily, it was indeed our Granny! But I think you already knew that

 

[bagsmom]

Wow -- so much happening on here -- Hugs to all for the sad stuff and the glad stuff!

I'm headed to bed... dead on my feet after the first full week of kids back in school. Big yawn!

Good night and good thoughts and prayers!

 

[Dizny Dad]

OK - Morning Question - Is it a good thing to be known in your circles as the Go-To-Disney person for information?

Yesterday during a conversation with a staff member, they asked if I knew if there was a Disney store in Pittsburgh and where it was, as they were traveling there next week (~1.5 hrs. away) and wanted to put it into their plans if their was one. Although I could answer every question they had about a September trip to WDW they were planning, the look on her face when I said "I have no idea" put all other answers I offered in question. Man, it can be a tough crowd.

 

[jimmytammy]

Inkmahm
Prayers for Steve will be lifted by us

teapot
Yes, that Granny was way against the Recipe, our Granny, well the verdict is still out (just kiddin Granny)

Dad
Just like a good CM, we cant have "all" the answers Its like asking a popcorn vendor in MK what the wait time is for Tower of Terror at that moment, he/she cant know it all!

 

[tea pot]

OK - Morning Question - if I knew if there was a Disney store in Pittsburgh

Here you go Dad


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